Army detonates nerve gas bomblet found in Colorado

In coming weeks, the Army will detonate five more grapefruit-sized sarin bomblets found during efforts to convert the former Rocky Mountain Arsenal to a wildlife refuge.

The Army and state officials agreed detonating the bomblets in a steel chamber and neutralizing the gas with a caustic solution would safely prevent environmental contamination or health threats.

The Army had planned to detonate the bombs outdoors, but neighbors complained and the state raised concerns as well.

Army officials said they would monitor air to make sure no gas escaped.

Sarin kills by attacking the nervous system, paralyzing vital organs. Each bomblet holds 1.3 pounds of gas and is capable of killing people within 900 feet.

The bomblets were manufactured at the arsenal northeast of Denver from 1953 to 1957. Nature tours at the 27-square mile prairie were suspended in October after sarin was confirmed in the first bomblet.